Man fined under new ultra high-powered vehicle legislation

The new requirement for drivers to hold a 'U' class licence for ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV) came into effect yesterday (1 December 2024).

An UHPV is any vehicle, other than a bus, motor bike or motor trike that has both:

• a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes
• a power to weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.

This includes some vehicles that are referred to as ‘supercars’ or ‘hypercars’.

It is the responsibility of the driver to know if their vehicle is an UHPV.

To help determine if a vehicle is a UHPV, a driver can use the EzyReg app on their phone and click on ‘High Powered Vehicles’, enter the registration number of the vehicle and press ‘Check’. The app will disclose if a vehicle is currently listed as a UHPV by Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

About 7.30am on Sunday 1 December, police stopped a Lamborghini Huracan on Queensborough Avenue, Hillcrest after noticing it was not bearing a rear number plate.

The officer identified the vehicle as being classed as an UHPV however checks on the man’s licence revealed that he did not have the required ‘U’ class licence endorsement.

A 36-year-old man from Evandale was issued with an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence for that class of vehicle.

To apply for a U class licence, you must complete the online U Class Licence Course.

In the course, you will learn:

• how to safely operate an UHPV
• the risks associated with driving an UHPV
• about vehicle features. This includes Electronic Stability Control, Automated Emergency Braking and other automated intervention systems.

For more information on the new legislation, go to My Licence - My ultra high powered vehicle (U) licence